13 May Top 10 Common Phlebotomy Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you’re training to become a certified phlebotomist or are already working in the field, understanding the most common phlebotomy mistakes—and how to avoid them—is critical for patient safety and your professional success. At Phlebotomy USA, we’re committed to training the next generation of skilled phlebotomists through high-quality, hands-on education that prepares you for real-world clinical scenarios.
Whether you’re looking to improve your skills or get started in the field, this guide will walk you through the most common errors in phlebotomy and provide practical tips to avoid them.
? Why This Matters
Mistakes in phlebotomy can lead to:
- Inaccurate lab results
- Patient injury or discomfort
- Delayed diagnoses
- Lost credibility or job risk
Avoiding errors begins with proper training—something Phlebotomy USA is proud to offer across multiple states nationwide.
Top 10 Common Phlebotomy Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Improper Patient Identification
Mistake: Failing to verify patient identity before drawing blood.
How to Avoid It: Always follow the “two-identifier” rule—ask for full name and date of birth, and match them with the requisition form and wristband.
2. Wrong Order of Draw
Mistake: Using incorrect tube order can cause cross-contamination of additives.
How to Avoid It: Memorize the proper order of draw (e.g., blood culture, light blue, red, green, lavender, gray) and refer to updated lab guidelines.
3. Failure to Invert Tubes Properly
Mistake: Not inverting tubes correctly can lead to clotting or inaccurate test results.
How to Avoid It: Invert tubes gently according to manufacturer instructions (usually 5–10 times), immediately after collection.
4. Poor Vein Selection
Mistake: Choosing veins that are fragile, rolling, or hard to locate.
How to Avoid It: Use the median cubital vein whenever possible, and apply proper palpation techniques. When in doubt, ask for help.
5. Incorrect Needle Angle or Insertion
Mistake: Inserting the needle at the wrong angle can cause pain or hematoma.
How to Avoid It: Maintain a 15–30° angle and ensure the bevel is facing up. Adjust based on patient vein depth and size.
6. Not Following Hand Hygiene and PPE Protocols
Mistake: Skipping gloves or neglecting handwashing increases infection risk.
How to Avoid It: Always wear gloves, wash hands before and after each draw, and follow universal precautions.
7. Failing to Label Tubes at the Bedside
Mistake: Labeling samples away from the patient can result in serious identification errors.
How to Avoid It: Always label tubes immediately at the patient’s side with full name, date of birth, date, and time of draw.
8. Incorrect Tourniquet Use
Mistake: Leaving the tourniquet on too long (over 1 minute) can lead to hemoconcentration.
How to Avoid It: Apply the tourniquet for no longer than 60 seconds, and release it as soon as blood flow is established.
9. Forgetting to Document or Report Complications
Mistake: Ignoring or failing to report issues like fainting, hematomas, or patient complaints.
How to Avoid It: Document all incidents accurately and notify supervising staff immediately.
10. Lack of Communication or Patient Comfort
Mistake: Not explaining the procedure or ignoring signs of discomfort.
How to Avoid It: Always explain the process, address concerns, and maintain a calm, professional demeanor.
? How Phlebotomy USA Helps You Avoid These Mistakes
At Phlebotomy USA, our instructors emphasize real-world readiness. We cover:
- Proper venipuncture techniques
- Live hands-on practice
- National certification preparation
- OSHA safety and infection control protocols
Our programs are available in over 100+ cities and are designed for students seeking fast, high-quality certification that employers recognize and trust. Check out what Students say about our Instructors.
Ready to Master Phlebotomy?
Avoiding common mistakes starts with choosing the right training. Join thousands of students who have launched their healthcare careers with Phlebotomy USA.
? Visit PhlebotomyUSA.com to find a class near you and enroll today!